Mt Teide volcanoTenerife
World volcano Profiles >Europe > Mt Teide
Mt Teide is a volcano on Tenerife,a volcanic island which lies within the The Canary Islands, 70 miles off the west coast of Africa, in the Atlantic Ocean. The Teide is within Mt Teide National Park and is the highest mountain in Spain at 3715m but stands 7000m above the sea bed. Teide is the third largest volcano on the planet by volume.
The Geology bit
Mt. Teide is a stratovolcano topped by the Las Canadas caldera. The caldera is 7-12 miles (12-20 km) and partially filled by various vents. The volcanoes started to from 150-180ma years ago when the Atlantic Ocean formed.However their origin is up for discussion. They lie away from an active plate boundary so it is thought that an intermittant supply of lava comes from a hot spot or mantle plume. Extension in the crust may let the magma rise to the surface but supply may cease if extension happening. This may account for the longer periods of inactivity.
Teide last erupted in 1909 and is a shield volcano with a high level caldera. The volcanics are simalr to those of hawaii with basaltic lavas dominating.
What to see and How to see it?
Teide is a volcano accessible to most and a cable car runs from the roadside at 2366m to near the top at 3555m . Access to the summit is restricted but a free permit is available from the Park office in Santa Cruz allowing you to climb the last 200m. Car to the bottom of the cable car is most people choice just be aware of the sudden change in altitude could make some feel light headed. It will be chilly and windy at the top and you will be above the clouds. A Bus also runs from Peuerto Cruz and Playa de las Americas. Numerous bus tour companies will take you out on a day trip from your local resort.